Thermal joining of thermoplastics to metals: Surface preparation of steel based on laser radiation and tungsten inert gas arc process

Abstract Laser-based joining is a potential key manufacturing process for realizing metal plastic hybrids. Therefore, surface preparation is essential to achieve a mechanical form fit. A new approach for surface preparation is based on a tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc process with anodic polarity. This TIG structure was characterized compared to fiber laser manufactured structures in cw and pw mode. The comparison of different preparations was based on pure ultimate tensile strength tests on spot joints. Finally, a transfer to overlap joints was successfully carried out and characterized by tensile shear tests using fiber reinforced plastics.